"We then hung on for a 16-14 win to earn a spot in the division championship against Desert Sky," Stonebrink said.

Despite suffering the exhaustion and rigors of playing six matches in one day, Club Rim defeated Desert Sky, 2-0.

"We played strong, efficient ball," Stonebrink said.

Following the team's return to Payson, the coach cited Jenna Robertson for her standout efforts, which included 22 kills and a .311 hitting mark. Against Desert Sky, she had eight kills and eight spikes.

Heather Bomar also drew praise for her serving prowess, with two aces and no errors in 10 attempts.

Freshman Reghan Flake also turned in an exceptional effort as the team's starting setter.

"She did a great job of running the offense for someone so young," Stonebrink said. "Her setting became more accurate as the day wore on."

Also a key to the team's ascension to the crown was the passing of Segan Cline and the serving of Armenta, who chalked up 21 aces during the tournament.

Where are the 18-year-olds?

Although Club Rim entered the 18-and-under division, the team was played with athletes much younger.

"The ‘18' was a misnomer. We didn't have any girls on the team that were 18," Stonebrink said. "Half of our team was composed of freshmen, but we didn't have the numbers to field a 16 (year olds) team, so we entered the 18 and took our lumps."

Playing against older and more experienced teams during the regular season, Club Rim struggled.

"We won three out of 20 (games) and made a lot of mistakes characteristic of an inexperienced team," Stonebrink said.

Also in the regular season, Stonebrink doled out equal court time to all the players, no matter their experience.

"But in the championship tournament, I played, almost exclusively, my ‘A' lineup, which included sophomores and juniors," the coach said.

Although the club season was sometimes frustrating, especially when pitted against more veteran metropolitan area teams, Stonebrink is sure the experience will bode well for next year's Lady Longhorns.